OBITUARY

Hon. Thomas Emmett Brennan Sr.

May 27, 1929 – September 29, 2018

The Honorable Thomas E. Brennan, Sr. died peacefully on September 29, 2018 in Lansing, Michigan surrounded by family. He was 89.
Brennan was the founder of Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing. He was also the 81st Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and the youngest Supreme Court Chief Justice in the history of the State of Michigan. More than any of these significant career accomplishments, Brennan treasured his role as sponsor and mentor to generations of lawyers who attended Cooley Law School, his loving family, and his lifelong friends. To know Brennan was to know his intellect, creativity, charm, quick wit and irrepressible sense of humor always tinged with an Irish glint.
Born on May 27, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, Brennan graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he excelled in forensics. He attended the University of Detroit and earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1952.
In 1951, he married the love of his life, Pauline Mary (Polly) Weinberger, with whom he had six children. Immensely proud of his large Irish Catholic clan, Brennan often involved family in his various professional pursuits, from political campaigns to the inception of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He was quick to credit Polly’s invaluable support for virtually all of his success.
Even so, success did not come easily in the early years of Brennan’s political career. He failed two attempts as a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in 1952 and 1954, and lost to John Dingell, Jr. for the U.S. Representative from Michigan’s 15th congressional district in December, 1955.

In 1953, he joined the law firm of Waldron, Brennan, Brennan, and Maher, with whom he worked until 1961, when he was elected to a seat on the Common Pleas Bench. In 1963, he was appointed by Michigan Governor George W. Romney to the Wayne County Circuit Bench, and in 1964 he was elected to that same position.
In 1966, at the urging of Governor Romney, Brennan sought the nomination of the Republican Party as Associate Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He won the nomination, and the election. In 1969 and 1970, Brennan served as Chief Justice, the youngest Justice to serve in that capacity.
While serving on the Bench, Brennan received numerous requests for law school recommendations which inspired his vision for a new, non-profit law school in Lansing, Michigan. Noting that many qualified students were refused law school admission, he was determined to eradicate academic elitism and make legal education accessible to all capable students. Brennan incorporated Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1972 with the belief that “An educated citizenry that understands the law is critical to the strength and progress of the nation.” Brennan left the Supreme Court on December 6, 1973, to dedicate his professional career to the fledgling law school and ensure its success. Brennan served as first Dean of Cooley Law School until 1978, when he became its first president.
Under his magnetic leadership, Cooley Law School grew from its initial class of 76 students to become the largest accredited law school in the nation. Known for ingenuity and perseverance, Brennan designed and instituted numerous unprecedented innovations, including the law school’s year-round schedule that allowed multiple first term classes to start each year. He is credited with founding the Cooley Legal Authors Society, the Student Bar Association, the Scholastic Review Board and the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review. He also composed the law school’s alma mater.

During his tenure at Cooley Law School, Brennan ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senator from Michigan in 1976, and for Lieutenant Governor of Michigan in 1982. Brennan retired from Cooley Law School in 2002. The Thomas E. Brennan Law Library in Lansing is named in his honor.
Combining insight and levity, Brennan was a captivating orator and engaging storyteller. He authored a self-published novel entitled The Bench in 2000, a memoir called Starting a Law School in 2007, a book entitled The Article V Amendatory Constitutional Convention: Keeping the Republic in the Twenty-First Century in 2014, and a blog, oldjudgesays, which ran from 2008 to 2017. New ideas energized Brennan, whether he was striving to establish a United States Constitutional Convention or trying to develop an American Golf League. An avid golfer, Brennan made a hole-in-one on five lucky occasions.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved Polly and their children: Thomas, Jr. (Julie), Margaret (David) Radelet, John (Catherine), William (Lisa), Marybeth (James) Hicks, and Ellen (Peter) Campbell; nineteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings Raymond (Loretta) of East Lansing, Michigan, Mary (James) Bernard of Fraser, Colorado, and Sally Giraud of Westland, Michigan, and sister-in-law Patricia Brennan of Rochester Hills, Michigan. He is preceded in death by parents Joseph and Jeannette Brennan and brother, Joseph Terrence, Jr.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 4, 2018, 10 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI with concelebrants Rev. Michael Murray, Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Murphy, Rev. Richard Elmer, C.S.B., Rev. Charles Irvin, Rev. Joseph J. Krupp and Rev. Gary Koenigsknecht officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 3, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A private interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Southfield, MI.

REMEMBERING

Hon. Thomas Emmett Brennan Sr.

Al Cannistraro

December 3, 2018

I first became acquainted with Judge Brennan in connection with his efforts to promote an Article V constitutional convention. Later on, I became a frequent gentle opposing commentator from the left on his Old Judge blog. He always treated me with grace and respect despite our political differences. I greatly admired his writing ability.

Sherri Fleming-Wilcox

November 1, 2018

I am a proud graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. President Brennan was a very humble and generous man. When I experienced some issues with my tuition payments President Brennan himself met with me and asked me how could he help me. We both came up with a solution that fit my budget. I thank God for his help and compassion. He truly cared about people. I never forgot his kindness.

My sincerest condolences to the Brennan Family. May God continue to comfort you and your entire family remain in my prayers. Rest In Peace President Brennan, your light is surely shining bright in Heaven!

Sherri T. Fleming-WilcoxClass of Fall 2001

sandy mcevilly

October 8, 2018

Dearest Polly, Prayers to you and your family. Tom and you were friend with my parents. After my Dad passed Mike & I moved to BW and we met u and Tom. I played golf with Tom and he shared with me many stories of he and my Dad. I am sure they are sharing stories in Heaven right now ! Prayers to u God Bless, sandy & Mike McEvilly

Dick Hurford

October 6, 2018

Tom Jr.

Please accept my profound sympathy. I cherish each and every U of D boys (the Hurford father and son) v. the CC boys during those great Green Coat competitions at Birchwood. Your father will always have a special place in our memories. We will also do the untamable for the U of D boys and make a contribution to CC in your father’s memory. All our best. Dick and Pat Hurford

Diane Smith

October 6, 2018

He was a great man. He counseled me personally several times while I was a student and always provided wise advice. I will be forever grateful that he provided me with the opportunity to obtain my dream of becoming a lawyer. What an amazing journey it has been!

Jack and Marilyn Landane

October 4, 2018

Dear Polly, We are so sorry for your (and our) loss. No one is more deserving of praise and love than Tom. Please accept our sincere condolences. We have missed you and will continue to do so. We also give our condolences to your family. May God be with you as you grieve and good memories sustain you.

Sincerely, Jack and Marilyn

Don & Barbara Costantino

October 4, 2018

We were privileged to know and spend time with Tom and Polly. Our condolences to Polly and the Brennan family.

Billie Oberry

October 3, 2018

Gone from sight but his influence will always be with those who were fortunate enough to call him "friend".

I am proud to be a graduate of the T.M. Cooley Law School he envisioned and brought to fruition.

Our condolences to his family of whom he was so proud.

Jack Rooney

October 3, 2018

Tom Brennan hired me late in 1974. I started to teach at Cooley in January,1975 I am still here half a lifetime later. Over the years he was kind to me on many occasions. He did a lot for me and I deeply appreciate it. He was a wonderful man. Jack Rooney

Jim and Betsy Zubkus

October 3, 2018

We feel privileged and honored to have known such a fine man. Jim and Betsy Zubkus

Monica Crawford

October 3, 2018

Dear Polly.....you know you’ve always been my role model. We are so blessed to have known you and Tom and witness the love and happiness you shared with each other and all who knew you.Grace and Peace to you and your family, Monica and Tom Crawford

Thomas Blaine

October 3, 2018

I was a classmate of Tom Jr. for 4 great years. I know in my heart that Tom Sr. left this world a Proud Parent and husband. I only had the privilegeof knowing Tom Jr. and was inspired so often throughout those 4years and have been a fan ever since. I don't have to tell you that the class of 70 at Catholic Central was the best group of men and parents ever! If the rest of the family is anything like Tom Jr. I can only believe Tom Sr. left this world with a smile on his face. Last I want to affirm that its always a blessing being IRISH.

condolences from the Blaine family

Tom Sarowski

October 3, 2018

Dear Polly:

We share your sadness at this time. You and Tom are bright lights to all of us in a troubled world. Always smiling and always optimistic. We thank the Lord for your inspiration. Now, we all look forward to being reunited with Tom in the Lord's Everlasting Kingdom. I expect to see Tom in a debate with one of our Founding Fathers, debating the need for a Constitutional Convention in America. Tom lived his life with gusto, a life with you. He couldn't have asked for more. Bless You, Tom and Nancy Sarowski.

Mike Kluck

October 3, 2018

It has been said "golf is a good walk spoiled". The author of this phrase never played golf with the Honorable Thomas E. Brennan Sr. My walks and talks with him at Walnut Hills Country Club were far from a spoiled exercise. I am grateful for those shared times and am sad that both a fine and distinguished man and golf course are no more. I am comforted knowing God has a new playing member. Play on Tom and God speed on your journey to the next celestial tee box. Mike KluckNot retiredAttorney

Judge James P. Sheehy

October 2, 2018

My condolences to Polly, Tom and sister Mary. I was fortunate to begin my legal career working for Justice Tom. He lovingly referred to me as his "Best lackey". When driving him around, he often said to slow down. I hoped to someday become a judge like Tom. That opportunity did come along and I served with the same common sense and kindness that Justice Tom taught me.To all our friends we met along the way...May God bless you!

Judge Jim Sheehy, District Judge, retired

Charles Hickman

October 2, 2018

Your legacy is found in the lives of each law student, attorney, and client who you've helped over the years. Your work was bigger than just a goal, it helped define countless generations of lawyers. The Lansing campus of WMU Cooley Law will miss your instruction, leadership and wisdom that you have provided over the years since the founding of the law school. Polly, you remain in our prayers and thoughts, we are grateful for the both of you.

Brad Comport

October 2, 2018

I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing one of the finest gentlemen this world has ever known-Judge Brennan.

An unforgettable moment for me was a couple of years ago. I hit three beautiful (for me) golf shots into #8 of the Farms course at Birchwood, and upon arriving on the green, here was Judge Brennan, along with presumably a number of family members, all chuckling heartily on the backside of the green.

Had I known he and they were watching, I most certainly would have shanked the ball into oblivion.

Despite their expert coaching, I three putted the green, but shall never forget that moment.

May the Lord's Peace always be with you Judge,

Brad Comport

Stacey (Sullivan) Zuk

October 1, 2018

My mother and father, Judge Joseph A. and Betty Sullivan, were great friends of Polly and Tom. I have such fond memories of them visiting our cottage every summer for the "Judges weekend" with Judge Joe B and Mary Sullivan, and Judge & Mrs. Ryan. The laughter that filled the air was contagious. Although I was a teenager at the time, I thoroughly enjoyed all of their company. It was truly a privilege to know them and I feel very lucky to have had that opportunity. I am so sorry to hear of Justice Brennan's passing. I recall how much he adored Polly. I recall my mom once coming home from a dinner party at The Brennan's and told me all about the evening and what a wonderful time they had - Polly had written a little skit and my mother was beaming talking about it...what joy they brought everywhere they went. A truly great man who has left quite a legacy and will be greatly missed.

Michael Cavanagh

October 1, 2018

Dear Polly and family, you and tom are in our thoughts and prayers. Justice Thomas Emmett Brennan was a man for all seasons, possessed Of an amazing intellect and imagination.. I have been privileged to share his friendship for some fifty year. He has more than earned his eternal rest. Patsy and I send our condolences. Mike. Cavanagh, Michigan Supreme Court justice, retired.

Kate Ryan

October 1, 2018

Dear Justice Brennan (and Mrs. Brennan),

You know how much I love you and how much you helped mold me (and my family) into who we are and who we wanted to become, as lawyers, citizens, mothers, fathers, children , friends and Catholics . I am listening to my beautiful Edelweiss music box you gave me as a gift when I was born and tears are streaming down my cheeks .... tears of gratitude and love. (Yes I still have it and it’s one of my most treasured possessions. )

Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my mom and dad .....and mentor to me , my siblings, friends and all who knew you.

You will truly be missed , but never forgotten.

Love your Anniversay / Birthday buddy Kate.

bob damman

October 1, 2018

So Very sad to hear about 'the Judges' passing,...he remains an inspirational Man to many. I had the privilege of getting to know Judge Brennan thru his years of golfing at Birchwood CC in Harbor Springs. He always had a warm smile on his face when he came out to play and I 'ALLways' enjoyed seeing him. But one of my fondest memories was just a couple years ago. The Judge would often come out to play a late afternoon, 9 hole round,....seldom with a 'Tee' time. As the starter on the course, I would generally 'catch' him and let him know which course would be the best to play.

This one afternoon, I 'missed' him and he 'self-directed' himself. A couple hours later,...here was 'Judge' coming up the 9th hole by himself. As he finished up, I caught up with him just to say 'Hi'. And You would have thought I 'caught' him jumping' a fence and sneaking on the course. He had the most 'boyish' look of guilt on his face,...but flashed that "don't tell my dad, (or Polly)" smile. It was such a charming moment and I'll never forget it !I feel lucky to have known him for many years,.....and he will always be a Birchwood Favorite !!

Peace, Judge,

Starter/Ranger bob

Darryl & Maryle Barbe

October 1, 2018

We are so sorry to hear about Judge Brennan’s passing. He was a wonderful and talented man and will be missed by all at Birchwood Golf and Country Club. We enjoyed receiving his blogs that covered numerous subjects. Darryl & Maryle Barbe

Rex J Ford

October 1, 2018

A great visionary in the legal community as well as a life well lived. Peace to all of the family that survives at this most difficult time.

Hon. Fred L. Borchard

October 1, 2018

My wife, Joyce and I were so sorry to hear about Justice Brennan’s passing. My father Judge Fred J. Borchard and my Mother were good friends of Tom and Polly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Sherida Wysocki

October 1, 2018

Judge Brennan was a fighter, a believer, a pioneer. He saw possibilities, and, where others doubted, Judge Brennan made those possibilities realities to the benefit of many. Judge Brennan saw the good and potential in everyone. I have been blessed and fortunate to be a recipient of his visions. My deepest sympathies and prayers to the Brennan family.

Kevin Hayes

October 1, 2018

Judge Brennan was a courageous warrior. It did not matter to him the pedigree or the presumed status of any opponent. If some policy, opinion or legislation stood in the way of that which was good, he not only stood against that which was wrong, but in fact it was often he (and sometimes he alone) who led the charge against it.

But fighting was never his first preference. Knowing the personal and societal cost of battle occasioned by litigious enmity Judge Brennan was first and foremost a peacemaker, and his greatest legal mentor in this regard was his Lord Jesus Christ.

Judge Brennan was all things Irish to be sure. But even though for now we cannot escape the sadness left to us in his wake, it is right and just to remember his adherence to his Catholic faith, to celebrate his life, and to know that he is living still as a new child of God.

Mike Lehman

Gus Richter

September 30, 2018

I remember Dean Brennan (yes, Dean to us old grads) addressing my class, Christiancy, in January, 1974. How excited and appreciative all of us were for this opportunity, an opportunity that most of us would have never realized but for his foresight and hard work. I met him some years later at a Tampa alumni meeting I cohosted. I said Hello Dean Brennan.” He said “You must be one of the old timers (grads).” Yes sir and darn proud to be one. God Bless you Dean Brennan. You helped shape the last 40 years of my life.

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